05/03/11 - Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins to headline StarNight 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 3, 2011
Contact: Jan Hollingsworth
jan.hollingsworth@siskin.org
423.648.1730, office

Publicity photos and .mp3 audio files
available upon request

Grammy-Winning Singer-Songwriter Kenny Loggins to Headline StarNight 2011

Proceeds benefit children with special needs and their families

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Kenny Loggins will headline StarNight 2011, Siskin Children’s Institute‘s annual fundraiser to benefit children with special needs on Saturday, Aug. 13 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

With a career that spans five decades, Loggins got his start in 1970 as a songwriter for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, penning songs like “House at Pooh Corner.” “Danny’s Song”, from his 1970-76 collaboration with Jim Messina, took Loggins for his inaugural ride up the charts. In the late 70s, Loggins released his first solo album that produced such hits as “Whenever I Call You Friend,” a duet with Stevie Nicks, and “This Is It” for which he won the 1980 Best Male Pop Vocal Grammy.

Loggins’ voice has been the backdrop to some of the blockbuster movies that defined the 80s. “Footloose”, “I’m Alright” from Caddyshack and “Danger Zone” from Top Gun helped established him as an artist with heavy-hitting commercial appeal. Through the 90s, Loggins continued to stretch his musical muscle, releasing introspective and deeply personal songs such as “Conviction of the Heart.” Throughout his career, Loggins has continued to actively tour, and in 2005 and 2009, Loggins and Jim Messina reunited for the successful Loggins & Messina reunion tours.

StarNight, an annual fundraiser now in its 49^th year, benefits children with special needs and their families who are served by the Institute through its four areas of focus: education, outreach, developmental behavioral pediatric health care and research. The event is presented by Chattem with the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Sunny 92.3 and NewsChannel 9 serving as this year’s media sponsors. 

Joe Dan and Kim White are this year’s StarNight co-chairs. The Whites are StarNight planning committee veterans who worked as sponsorship chairs for the event several years ago. “We are excited to be part of this great event again this year,” said Joe Dan White. “We know firsthand how important Siskin Children’s Institute is to the community because we have a nephew who benefited from the Institute’s invaluable services.”

Kenny Loggins is a musician with proven staying power who excels as a singer, songwriter, recording artist and live performer. “Loggins will serve up a StarNight performance that shouldn’t be missed,” said Jerry Jensen, president and CEO of the Institute. “His eclectic mix of soulful chart-toppers and high-energy pop favorites promises concertgoers an unforgettable summer evening filled with songs they will know by heart with the added benefit of helping a great cause.”

StarNight 2011 opens with a cocktail reception, beginning at 6 p.m., and a formal dinner followed by Loggins’ performance with an intimate, small venue feel. An after-party with dancing and live DJ rounds out the night.

Guests can attend the full black-tie gala, including cocktail reception, dinner, dessert, musical performance and the after-party, for $250 per person. Eight-person tables start at $2,000. The $100 per person Star Attraction option invites guests to arrive at 8:45 p.m. to enjoy Loggins’ performance and the after-party. For tickets, visit www.siskin.org/starnight or call 423.648.1707.

ABOUT SISKIN CHILDREN’S INSTITUTE
Siskin Children's Institute makes life better for children with special needs and their families. Founded in 1950, the non-profit organization achieves its mission locally and nationally through four initiatives: education, outreach, health care and research. The Institute provides early childhood education where children with and without disabilities learn together; family support and professional development programs; developmental behavioral pediatric health care; and innovative research in early childhood development and special education. For more information about Siskin Children's Institute, visit www.siskin.org.